Characteristics of Bullying

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the classrooms of today are filled with students of diverse cultures, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, and learning and physical ability. The writer discusses that the topic of bullying has emerged in the past few years as an issue of growing concern among students, parents, and school administrators alike. The writer explains that bullying can best be defined as repeated oppression, physical or psychological, of a less powerful person by a more powerful person or group. This paper examines bullying in terms of gender differences, both "bully" and "victim" characteristics, and the causes and consequences of bullying for all those involved. The writer concludes that the problems associated with bullying must not become accepted in the educational system, and remain an obstacle to fostering human learning and development.

Outline:
Introduction
Gender Differences
Characteristics of Bullies
Characteristics of Victims
Consequences of Bullying
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The various types and methods of bullying also vary with boys and girls. Research by Chu indicates that boys are the primary bullies and victims on the streets, playgrounds and schools, whereas girls are the primary bullies and victims of bullying performed online. According to Chu, nearly one third of the eighth grade girls surveyed reported being bullied online in the previous two months. This is comparable to the 10% of boys bullied online. The reason for the difference between the gender in bullying online is that online, an individual's identity can be hidden, and girls may feel more comfortable being the bully if no one knows their real identity. Rigby indicates that girls are usually more empathetic than boys, both in recognizing the emotion someone else is having, and in feeling that same emotion themselves. Furthermore, research indicates that girls are generally more empathetic than boys toward the victims of aggression. Thus, gender does account for the differences between bullying."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Angelo, T. A., & Cross, K. P. (1993). Classroom assessment techniques: A handbook for college teachers (2nd edition). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
• Chu, J. (2006). You wanna take this online? Time Magazine.
• Farrington, D. (1993). Understanding and preventing bullying. Crime and Justice. 17.
• Farris, P. (1996). Teaching, Bearing the Torch. Madison, WI: Brown and Benchmark Publishers.
• Josephson, M. (1998). 1998 Report Card on the Ethics of American Youth. Retrieved September 28, 2006, from The Josephson Institute of Ethics Web site: http://www.josephsoninstitute.org/98- Survey/98survey.htm

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